Councilwoman Misty Spears wants the city of San Antonio to take a harder look at crime trends and police patrols after a burglary spree and shooting rocked her North Side district.
Spears said she wants a full review of recent crime trends in District 9, an evaluation of how police patrols are deployed in its neighborhoods and commercial areas, and an assessment of available “crime prevention tools and technologies.”
She also called for meetings with neighborhood leaders to better understand resident concerns and recommendations.
Spears said she’ll talk with the San Antonio Police Department, city staff and residents to get a handle on the level of crime in the district. She’ll host a town hall on public safety with SAPD at Christ Community Church on Evans Road on Aug. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Government’s first responsibility is protecting its people,” Spears said in a news release.
The city has pumped the brakes on its police hiring as slowing property and sales tax collections have squeezed funds.
Budget writers are struggling to close a $158 million deficit over the next two years. City Manager Erik Walsh will present a proposed budget to the City Council next month. The council will adopt a budget and tax rate in September.
The three council members have been unable to convince their council colleagues to join in the call for 65 new officers next year, in part because of falling crime rates.
Violent crimes, including murders, have fallen steadily. The department reported that it investigated 106 killings last year, compared to 126 in 2024 and 164 in 2023. (The count does not include manslaughter or negligent homicide offenses.)
Spears’ request for a public safety review comes while SAPD is between police chiefs.
The police union and the city recently reached a tentative labor contract that would boost officer salaries and cost the city more than $102 million over the life of the three-year contract. The union’s members still have to vote on agreement. If they approve, it’ll go to City Council for a final approval.